Injured Ryder inspires New Zealand victory

New Zealand took a step closer to the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final with an excellent 38-run win over Sri Lanka.

In a brilliant batting display, Jesse Ryder, batting with a runner after suffering an early injury, smashed a brilliant 74 off just 58 balls. With Brendon McCullum (46) he added 125 for the first wicket, which set up an excellent platform for New Zealand to make 315-7 off 50 overs, with Martin Guptill (66) and Daniel Vettori (48) also making excellent contributions.

Apart from Sanath Jayasuriya (3-39), Sri Lanka?s bowling attack, which was without Muttiah Muralidaran, who was left out of the side, struggled with Lasith Malinga going for 85 runs in his 10 overs.

In reply, Tillakaratne Dilshan (41) and Sanath Jayasuriya (24) got off to a fast start, but Sri Lanka lost regular wickets to leave it struggling on 141-6.

Mahela Jayawardena (77) and Nuwan Kulasekara (57 not out) then batted brilliantly, particularly during the batting power play, and despite some poor New Zealand fielding, Sri Lanka couldn?t reach its victory target.